Rutgers Takes Battle with Princeton to Win 6th Straight

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (March 19, 2013) – Winners of six straight, Rutgers (7-1) dodged instate rival Princeton, 12-10, on Tuesday afternoon at the RU Turf Field at the Stadium Complex. The two squads, both receiving votes in the latest IWLCA Poll, fought a back-and-forth battle until RU was able to pull away over the final 15 minutes.

Rutgers saw contributions from seven different Scarlet Knights, led by junior midfielder Katrina Martinelli (Moorestown, N.J.) with four goals – her seventh multi-goal game of the season. Princeton (3-2) was paced by Alexandra Bruno with three goals and Erin McMunn with two goals and five assists.

Redshirt junior midfield Amanda Trendell (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.) started off the day with an unassisted score as the two squads went goal for goal over the first 16 minutes. Princeton took its first and only lead of the day after back-to-back goals by Mary-Kate Sivilli and Anya Gersoff.

Schreiber scored both her goals in consecutive fashion to give RU a 5-4 advantage with 9:37 remaining before halftime. The Scarlet Knights posted two of the next three goals to take their first two-score lead, 7-5, but the Tigers would fight back to knot the score 7-7 at the break.

RU burst out of the gate with two-straight scores – the first by Martinelli off a Melissa Arthur (Marlton, N.J.) pass from behind the cage and the second off a dodge from Barnes – to grab a 9-7 lead with 25:51 remaining. Princeton responded with two goals of its own, both by Bruno.

RU clinched the game with a 3-1 spurt over the final 14:19. Sophomore midfielder Jenny Vlahos (Manhasset, N.Y.) connected after a strong dodge to the net to start the run. Kim Kolodny (Farmingdale, N.Y.) and Martinelli then each connected on a free position shot to give RU its largest lead of the game, 12-9. The Tigers scored at the 10:03 mark, but the Scarlet Knights were able to successfully run out the clock and secure the win.

A moment of silence to recognize the passing of Seton Hill University Head Coach Kristina Quigley was held before the game.

Rutgers commences Big East play at No. 7 Notre Dame on Friday, March 22. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.